Western Carolina University

August 

• Use MyCat to be sure your tuition and fees are paid.
• Meet with your academic advisor to communicate a plan for your final two years here. Review it with your advisor, and continue to establish a relationship with him/her, scheduling meetings as needed.
• Take the time to get to know your professors in your major field of study. You never know when you might need that recommendation letter! 
• Participate in on-campus events and activities.

January

• Research what professional associations are available for your major; consider joining them, or even going to a conference to get an in-depth knowledge of career possibilities.
• If applicable, start researching where you want to go for graduate school. Keep deadlines in mind!
• Continue to establish positive relationships with your advisor and professors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!  

September 

• Use MyCat to run a degree audit before registration. 
• Use AdvisorTrac to make an appointment with your advisor for advising day. 
• Discuss your academic plans with your advisor. Find out if you are on the right track to graduate on time.
• Make an appointment with Career Services to plan an internship or other hands on work related experience.

February 

• If applicable, file your FAFSA by the end of this month.
• Use AdvisorTrac to make an appointment with your advisor for advising day.
• Conduct a mock interview with a career counselor (and consider having it recorded).
• Start thinking about where you want to live next year; discuss living options with your family and roommates.

October 

• Look at requirements and timelines for graduate or professional schools, if applicable, and take admission prep courses and tests. Review for the MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, or GRE as appropriate.
• Attend career fairs to network with employers; establish a networking list.
• Update your resume and post it to JobCat and other job search sites as appropriate.

March 

• Start discussing with faculty references and letters of recommendations for graduate/professional school, if applicable.
• If applicable, start narrowing down your list of graduate schools. Take the time to learn more about each school. 
• Begin studying for any graduate school entrance exams that you may be taking.

November 

• Visit the Center for Service Learning to gain valuable hands on experience in your field of interest.
• Research jobs and companies matching your interests, abilities, and values; investigate what employers are looking for in your chosen career field.
• Relax with friends and family during the Thanksgiving break.

April 

• Finalize summer plans.
• If interested, start to look into a summer internship or summer job.
• Participate in end-of-year activities.

December 

• Take time to de-stress.
• Relax with family and friends.
• Need a job or internship for the summer? Winter break’s a great time to start planning for one!

May 

• Take time to reflect on your accomplishments so far and what you want to accomplish next.
• Begin your co-op, summer job or internship.